** Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service looking for quick cash infusion to balance books
** California paramedic severely injured in crash with drunken driver
CANADA NEWS
** Winnipeg’s Fire Paramedic Service says dead beat patients are putting the organization in
debt. CTV News (October 13) said that is the contention of bean counters who have now appealed
to the city for $415,000 more dollars to balance the budget. According to the news service, the
money is required before the end of the year. Without the infusion, bureaucrats say the current
level of EMS/fire service can not be maintained. There is no word on the city’s response to the
request.
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A California paramedic remains in hospital recuperating from multiple fractures after a Saturday
accident in which the vehicle he was in was hit by a drunken driver. The Press Enterprise (Richard
Brooks/October 12) said the medic, whose last name is Lodarski but whose first name was not
released, was in the vehicle with his firefighter father David, 58, who did not survive. According to the
newspaper, the duo were struck around 6:10 a.m. in Reche Canyon. The pair were on an ATV that
was rear ended by a Saturn. The impact then sent the ATV into the path of an oncoming Mazda
Sedan. The ATV then rolled. The driver of the Saturn was arrested on suspicion of driving under
the influence and vehicular manslaughter. He was not injured in the mishap. Both Lodarskis,
meanwhile, were employed with the Colton Fire Department. Funeral services for David Lodarski
are pending.
